Container sleeve with connection interface for attaching three-dimensional elements and method of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

The invention provides for a sleeve for a container, e.g., a food or beverage container, which includes a sleeve body sized to receive therein a portion of the container. Plural connection elements are arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve body. At least one three-dimensional element is removably connectable to the sleeve body via at least one of the plural connection elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a U.S. non-provisional Application based onU.S. provisional application No. 61/608,966, filed Mar. 9, 2012, thedisclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference heretoin its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a container sleeve for a container, e.g., afood or drink container, to which one or more three-dimensionalparts/elements can be attached. A method of making and using thecontainer sleeve is also disclosed as is a method of decorating thecontainer with such parts/elements.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Food and drink containers are well known. Such devices are disclosed in,e.g. U.S. D465,973, U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,833, U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,553, aswell as the following list of US patents: U.S. Pat. No. 7,556,425, U.S.D575,103, U.S. D563,723, U.S. D554,433, U.S. D547,122, U.S. D546,625,U.S. D544,304, U.S. D543,416, U.S. D535,152, U.S. D534,770, U.S.D534,762, U.S. D527,576, U.S. D518,333, U.S. D491,020, U.S. D489,940,U.S. D483,613, U.S. D479,671, U.S. D479,437, U.S. D462,575, U.S.D458,082, and U.S. D457,395. The disclosure of each of these listeddocuments is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as thoughset forth in full.

An improved container, however, would include a sleeve and/or otherexternal interface to allow a user to attached, e.g., removably attach,to the same (or decorate the same with) one or more elements or parts.The container can thereby assume or be converted into a toy ordecoratable container.

It is submitted that there is a need for such a container and which islacking in known devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one non-limiting embodiment, there is provided asleeve for a food or beverage container comprising a sleeve body sizedand contained to receive therein a portion of the container. Pluralconnection elements are arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve body.At least one three-dimensional element is removably connectable to thesleeve body via at least one of the plural connection elements.

In embodiments, the container is one of: a cup, a can, a drink vessel, amug; and a conventionally know container that can contain an edibledrinking substance.

In embodiments, the container is one of: a food bowl, a soup bowl, acereal bowl, and a conventionally know container that can contain anedible eating substance.

In embodiments, the at least one three-dimensional element is attachablevia a snap connection.

In embodiments, the at least one three-dimensional element is one of: adecorative element, a toy element, an object resembling a portion of aman-made structure, and an object resembling a portion of a livingthing.

In embodiments, the at least one three-dimensional element is one of: aletter, a number, an inanimate object, and an object resembling aninanimate object.

In embodiments, the at least one three-dimensional element is one of: ahead of an animal, a face of an animal, a body of an animal, and aportion of an animal.

In embodiments, the plural connection elements comprise one of: snapconnectors, projections insertable into openings, and recesses receivingprojections.

In embodiments, the sleeve body comprises open upper and lower ends.

In embodiments, the sleeve body comprises open upper and lower ends andthe lower end is smaller in diameter than the upper end.

In embodiments, the sleeve body comprises an open upper end and a closedlower end.

In embodiments, the sleeve body is structured and arranged to beremovably mounted onto a container.

In embodiments, the sleeve body is structured and arranged to benon-removably mounted onto a container.

In embodiments, the sleeve body comprises a generally flexible material.

In embodiments, the sleeve body comprises a synthetic resin material.

In embodiments, there is provided a container comprising a containersized to contain therein an edible substance and the sleeve as describedabove .

In embodiments, there is provided a method of decorating the containerdescribed above, wherein the method comprises attaching at least onethree-dimensional element to the sleeve body.

According to one non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a method ofdecorating a container, wherein the method comprises removably attachingat least one three-dimensional element to a sleeve body arranged on thecontainer via at least one of a plural connection elements.

According to another non-limiting embodiment, there is provided acontainer comprising a container body and a sleeve body. The sleeve bodyis sized and contained to receive therein a portion of the container andcomprising plural connection elements arranged on an outer surface ofthe sleeve body. At least one three-dimensional element is removablyconnectable to the sleeve body via at least one of the plural connectionelements.

According to another non-limiting embodiment, there is provided acontainer comprising a container body and plural connection elementsarranged on an outer surface of the container body.

In embodiments, the container may further comprise at least one of atleast one three-dimensional element having at least one complementaryconnection element, the outer surface comprises a silicone material, andthe plural connection elements are generally equally spaced projections.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention maybe ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanyingdrawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed descriptionwhich follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way ofnon-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention,in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIGS. 1-3 show a non-limiting example of a conventional container thatcan be utilized with the sleeve according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 but with a sleeveinstalled thereon in accordance with the invention and to which one ormore three-dimensional elements can be attached. The external attachinginterfaces of the sleeve are not shown;

FIG. 5 is a top view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 before the sleeve ofFIG. 7 is installed thereon;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the sleeve installable on the container of FIG.6 when flattened into a planar sheet and shows one example of theexternal attaching interfaces that can be utilized;

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged portion of the sleeve of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a side cross-section view of section A-A in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a side cross-section view of section B-B in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment of a sleeve installed on acontainer of the type shown in FIG. 6. Unlike the sleeve of FIG. 4, thesleeve of FIG. 11 has a lower portion that extends under the containerbottom;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the container of FIG. 11 before the sleeve ofFIG. 13 is installed thereon;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 11 before it isinstalled on the container of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 14 and 17 respectfully show rear and front views of an exemplaryattachable element that can be removably attached to the sleevedcontainers shown in FIG. 4 or 11. In this embodiment, the attachableelement resembles a lego-type element having receiving recesses sizedand shaped to attachably engage with comparable external projectionsarranged on the sleeve of the container;

FIG. 15 shows a side cross-section view of section C-C in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows a side cross-section view of section D-D in FIG. 17;

FIG. 18 shows a front view of an exemplary attachable element of thetype shown in FIG. 17 before it is attached to the sleeved containershown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 19 shows one exemplary location (illustrated in cross-hatching) onthe sleeved container where the exemplary attachable element of FIG. 18can be removably positioned;

FIG. 20 shows a side view of another embodiment of a sleeve andcontainer and illustrates how the container can be slid into the upperopen end of the sleeve during installation;

FIG. 21 shows a side view of the fully assembled container made up ofthe components shown in FIG. 20;

FIGS. 22 and 23 respectfully show front and side views of anotherexemplary attachable element that can be removably attached to thesleeved containers shown in FIG. 4, 11 or 21. In this embodiment, theattachable element resembles a lego-type element having receivingrecesses sized and shaped to attachably engage with comparable externalprojections arranged on the sleeve of the container and also includessheet layer having one or more symbols, letters, numbers, etc.;

FIG. 24 shows a side view of another exemplary sleeved container;

FIG. 25 shows the sleeved container of FIG. 24 rotated 180 degrees sothat one can visualize a designed projection-free space (identified as abroken line rectangle) on the sleeve. In exemplary embodiments, thisdesignated space can be used to, e.g., print a logo or trademark;

FIG. 26 shows a side view of another embodiment of a sleeve that can beused on a container in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 27 shows a top cross-section view of section E-E in FIG. 26 andillustrates how the sleeve bottom can have a central opening so as notto cover all of the bottom of the container when installed;

FIG. 28 shows a side cross-section view of section F-F in FIG. 26;

FIGS. 29 and 30 respectfully show front and review views of anotherexemplary attachable element having the form of a pair of pair ofglasses arranged over eyes;

FIGS. 31 and 32 respectfully show front and review views of anotherexemplary attachable element having the form of a nose;

FIGS. 33 and 34 respectfully show front and review views of anotherexemplary attachable element having the form of a curly mustache;

FIG. 35 shows an exemplary sleeved container in accordance with theinvention decorated with the attachable elements shown in FIGS. 29-34;

FIG. 36 shows a side view of a portion of another embodiment of a sleevethat can be used on a container in accordance with the invention. Inthis embodiment, each attachment projection includes a central openingwhich renders the projections as hollow projections;

FIG. 37 shows a side view of a portion of still another embodiment of asleeve that can be used on a container in accordance with the invention.In this embodiment, each attachment projection is generally circular inshape instead of generally square as shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 38 shows a side view of a portion of still another embodiment of asleeve that can be used on a container in accordance with the invention.In this embodiment, each attachment projection is generally triangularin shape; and

FIGS. 39-48 respectively show front and back views of other non-limitingattachment/attachable three-dimensional elements, i.e., acircular-shaped element, a rectangular donut-shaped element, asquare-shaped element, a hand-shaped element, and a heart-shapedelement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, it can be seen that a conventionalcontainer 10 having a dual wall construction and a cover 40 can beutilized in the invention. The cover 40 and the container 10 can be anysize, shape or type and need not be similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3.Moreover, the container 10 can also be single wall or can be other thanduel wall type shown in FIG. 3. Non-limiting examples of a container(including container sizes, shapes and configurations) which can beutilized in any of the herein disclosed embodiments include any of thosediscussed above in the Background section.

With reference to FIGS. 4-10, there is shown a first non-limitingembodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a sleeved container 1includes a container 10 of the type described above and a sleeve 20. Thesleeve 20 is sized and configured to slide onto the container 10 (orvice versa) and to frictionally engage the outer surface of thecontainer 10. In this embodiment, the sleeve 20 as a tapered shapegenerally corresponding to the tapered shape of the container 10 andincludes an open upper end and a smaller diameter open lower end. Thesleeve 20 also includes a plurality of attachment elements 30 which aresized and spaced in a manner which can allow a user to attach to thesleeve 20 one or more three-dimensional elements as will be described indetail below. In the example shown in FIGS. 2-10, the plurality ofattachment elements 30 are polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped,projections arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve 20. The elements30 are identically sized and generally spaced apart from each other bythe same amount. The arrangement shown in FIG. 7, for example,represents equally spaced rows and columns of elements 30. As isapparent from FIGS. 8-10, the sleeve 20 can be a one-piece member inwhich the elements 30 are integrally formed solid projections.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-10, the sleeve 20 can be made of asynthetic resin material, e.g., a flexible resin or silicone material,and can also be removably mounted to the container 10 or alternativelycan be a more rigid resin material and can be non-removably securedthereto using, e.g., an adhesive connection. The sleeve 20 may also beany combination of these features.

With reference to FIGS. 11-13, there is shown another non-limitingembodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a sleeved container 100includes a container 10 of the type described above and a sleeve 120.The sleeve 120 is sized and configured to slide onto the container 10(or vice versa) and to frictionally engage the outer surface of thecontainer 10. In this embodiment, the sleeve 120 as a tapered shapegenerally corresponding to the tapered shape of the container 10 andincludes an open upper end and a closed or substantially closed lowerend. The sleeve 120 also includes a plurality of attachment elements 130which are sized and spaced in a manner which can allow a user to attachto the sleeve 120 one or more three-dimensional elements as will bedescribed in detail below. In the example shown in FIGS. 11-13, theplurality of attachment elements 130 are polygonal shaped, e.g., squareshaped, projections arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve 120. Theelements 130 are identically sized and generally spaced apart from eachother by the same amount. The arrangement shown in FIG. 13, for example,represents equally spaced rows and columns of elements 130. As is theprevious embodiment, the sleeve 120 can be a one-piece member in whichthe elements 130 are integrally formed solid projections.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 11-13, the sleeve 120 can be made of asynthetic resin material, e.g., a flexible resin or silicone material,and can also be removably mounted to the container 10 or alternativelycan be a more rigid resin material and can be non-removably securedthereto using, e.g., an adhesive connection. The sleeve 120 may also beany combination of these features.

FIGS. 14-17 show one non-limiting example of a three-dimensional element50 that can be attached to the sleeve in accordance with the invention.In the embodiment of FIG. 14-17, the element 50 can be made of asynthetic resin material, e.g., either a rigid or a flexible resin orsilicone material, and can include one or more attachment elements 70.In the example shown in FIGS. 14-17, the plurality of attachmentelements 70 are polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped, recesses sizedand shaped to receive therein the projections, e.g., projections 30and/or 130. The elements 70 are identically sized and generally spacedapart from each other by the same amount. As can be seen in FIGS. 18 and19, each element 50 can be removably mounted to the container 100 viafrictional engagement between the elements 70 and the elements 130. Thisfrictional engagement can be characterized as a lego-type connection.

With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, there is shown another non-limitingembodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a sleeved container1000 includes a container 1010 and a sleeve 1020. The sleeve 1020 issized and configured to slide onto the container 1010 (or vice versa)and to frictionally engage the outer surface of the container 1010. Inthis embodiment, the sleeve 1020 as a generally cylindrical shapegenerally corresponding to the shape of the container 1010 and includesan open upper end and a closed or substantially closed lower end. Thesleeve 1020 also includes a plurality of attachment elements 1030 whichare sized and spaced in a manner which can allow a user to attach to thesleeve 1020 one or more three-dimensional elements as discussed and aswill be described in detail below. In the example shown in FIGS. 20 and21, the plurality of attachment elements 1030 are polygonal shaped,e.g., square shaped, projections arranged on an outer surface of thesleeve 1020. The elements 1030 are identically sized and generallyspaced apart from each other by the same amount. The arrangement shownin FIG. 21, for example, represents equally spaced rows and columns ofelements 1030. As is the previous embodiment, the sleeve 1020 can be aone-piece member in which the elements 1030 are integrally formed solidprojections.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 20 and 21, the sleeve 1020 can be made of asynthetic resin material, e.g., a flexible resin or silicone material,and can also be removably mounted to the container 1010 or alternativelycan be a more rigid resin material and can be non-removably securedthereto using, e.g., an adhesive connection. The sleeve 1020 may also beany combination of these features.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show another non-limiting example of a three-dimensionalelement 50′ that can be attached to the sleeve in accordance with theinvention. In the embodiment of FIGS. 22 and 23, the element 50′ can bemade of a synthetic resin material, e.g., either a rigid or a flexibleresin or silicone material, and can include one or more attachmentelements as well as, e.g., a number, a letter, or indicia 60. In theexample shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the plurality of attachment elementsare polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped, recesses (similar to recesses70 in FIGS. 15-16) sized and shaped to receive therein the projections,e.g., projections 1030. The indicia 60 can be, e.g., printed, on a layerof material arranged on or fixed to the element 50′.

With reference to FIGS. 24-35, there is shown another non-limitingembodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a sleeved container1000′ includes a container 1010′ and a sleeve 1020′. The sleeve 1020′ issized and configured to slide onto the container 1010′ (or vice versa)and to frictionally engage the outer surface of the container 1010′. Inthis embodiment, the sleeve 1020′ as a generally cylindrical shapegenerally corresponding to the shape of the container 1010′ and includesan open upper end and a substantially closed lower end. As is shown inFIG. 27, the lower end is sized to extend under the container 1010′, buthas a centrally disposed through opening TO. The sleeve 1020′ alsoincludes a plurality of attachment elements 1030′ which are sized andspaced in a manner which can allow a user to attach to the sleeve 1020′one or more three-dimensional elements (see FIGS. 29-34). A designatedarea LS of the sleeve 1020′ can be made free of elements 1030′ in orderto provide a convenient location for desired indicia, e.g., a printedlogo. In the example shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the plurality ofattachment elements 1030′ are polygonal shaped, e.g., square shaped,projections arranged on an outer surface of the sleeve 1020′. Theelements 1030′ are identically sized and generally spaced apart fromeach other by the same amount. The arrangement shown in FIG. 26, forexample, represents equally spaced rows and columns of elements 1030′.As is the previous embodiment, the sleeve 1020′ can be a one-piecemember in which the elements 1030′ are integrally formed solidprojections.

FIGS. 29-34 show non-limiting examples of three-dimensional elements50″a, 50″b, and 50″c that can be attached to the sleeve as shown in FIG.35. In the embodiment of FIG. 29-34, each element can be made of asynthetic resin material, e.g., either a rigid or a flexible resin orsilicone material, and has the form of facial features. Thus, forexample, element 50″a has the form of a pair of glasses with eyesvisible therein (on its front side) and includes one or more attachmentelements 70″ (on its rear side). Element 50″b has the form of a nose (onits front side) and includes one or more attachment elements 70″ (on itsrear side). Element 50″c has the form of a mustache (on its front side)and includes one or more attachment elements 70″ (on its rear side). Inthe example shown in FIGS. 29-34, attachment elements 70″ are polygonalshaped, e.g., square shaped, recesses sized and shaped to receivetherein the projections, e.g., projections 1030′. As can be seen in FIG.35, the elements of FIGS. 29-34 can be removably mounted to thecontainer 1000′ via frictional engagement between the elements 70″ andthe elements 1030′ so as to decorate the container 1000′ in thenon-limiting manner shown in FIG. 35. Other exemplary attachableelements are shown in FIGS. 39-48. At least the elements shown in FIGS.38, 39 and 43-48 can optionally include layer of material arranged onits front generally planar side such as, e.g., a sticker, and can have,e.g., any desired printing, marking, or color.

With reference to FIGS. 36-38, there are shown other non-limitingembodiments of the sleeve. In FIG. 36, the sleeve 1020″ includes pluralattachment elements 1030″ having a generally polygonal shape and beingpartially hollowed out via a centrally disposed central blind opening ordepression. In FIG. 37, the sleeve 1020″′ includes plural attachmentelements 1030′″ having a generally circular shape and being otherwisesolid in form. In FIG. 38, the sleeve 1020 ^(IV) includes pluralattachment elements 1030 ^(IV) having a generally triangular shape andbeing otherwise solid in form.

Although various embodiments shows the sleeve having externalprojections that can connect to recesses formed in one or moreattachment elements, the invention also contemplates that either thesleeve is integrally formed with the container or that the externalattachment elements (instead of being formed on the sleeve) are formedon an outer surface of the container itself. These elements can beeither projections of the type shown in the drawings or alternatively(or additionally) external recesses, depressions and/or blind openings.

Although various embodiments shows the sleeve having externalprojections that can connect to recesses formed in one or moreattachment elements, the invention also contemplates a sleeve withexternal recesses, depressions and/or blind openings and withprojections formed on the one or more attachable elements.

One or more of the herein disclosed embodiments can also include one ormore features described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/364,886filed on Feb. 2, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby expresslyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

Further additional features can be utilized on the sleeve and/orcontainer such one, more than one, or all of those described in U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/608,956 filed on Mar. 9, 2012, thedisclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely forthe purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limitingof the present invention. While the present invention has been describedwith reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that thewords which have been used herein are words of description andillustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made,within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and asamended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention in its aspects. Although the present invention has beendescribed herein with reference to particular means, materials andembodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theparticulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends toall functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as arewithin the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sleeve for a food or beverage containercomprising: a sleeve body sized and contained to receive therein aportion of a container; plural connection elements arranged on an outersurface of the sleeve body; and at least one three-dimensional elementbeing removably connectable to the sleeve body via at least one of theplural connection elements.
 2. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein thecontainer is one of: a cup; a can; a drink vessel; a mug; and aconventionally know container that can contain an edible drinkingsubstance.
 3. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the container is one of: afood bowl; a soup bowl; a cereal bowl; and a conventionally knowcontainer that can contain an edible eating substance.
 4. The sleeve ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one three-dimensional element isattachable via a snap connection.
 5. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein theat least one three-dimensional element is one of: a decorative element;a toy element; an object resembling a portion of a man-made structure;and an object resembling a portion of a living thing.
 6. The sleeve ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one three-dimensional element is one of: aletter; a number; an inanimate object; an object resembling an inanimateobject.
 7. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the at least onethree-dimensional element is one of: a head of an animal; a face of ananimal; a body of an animal; a portion of an animal.
 8. The sleeve ofclaim 1, wherein the plural connection elements comprise one of: snapconnectors; generally equally spaced projections; generally circularprojections; generally polygonal projections; projections insertableinto openings; and recesses receiving projections.
 9. The sleeve ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve body comprises open upper and lower ends.10. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the sleeve body comprises open upperand lower ends and the lower end is smaller in diameter than the upperend.
 11. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the sleeve body comprises anopen upper end and a closed lower end.
 12. The sleeve of claim 1,wherein the sleeve body is structured and arranged to be removablymounted onto a container.
 13. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the sleevebody is structured and arranged to be non-removably mounted onto acontainer.
 14. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the sleeve body comprisesa generally flexible one-piece member.
 15. The sleeve of claim 1,wherein the sleeve body comprises one of: a synthetic resin material;and a silicone material.
 16. A container comprising: a container sizedto contain therein an edible substance; and the sleeve of claim
 1. 17. Amethod of decorating the container of claim 16, the method comprising:attaching at least one three-dimensional element to the sleeve body. 18.A method of decorating a container, the method comprising: removablyattaching at least one three-dimensional element to a sleeve bodyarranged on the container via at least one of a plural connectionelements.
 19. A container comprising: a container body; pluralconnection elements arranged on an outer surface of the container body.20. The container of claim 19, further comprising at least one of: atleast one three-dimensional element having at least one complementaryconnection element; the outer surface comprises a silicone material; andthe plural connection elements are generally equally spaced projections.